The Nature Of Science Flashcards
Scientific inquiry
The myriad of ways in which scientists conduct their studies and form explanations.
Observations
The receipt of knowledge of the natural world using senses or technology.
Core element of scientific inquiry
Scientific findings
Results, conclusions, and suggestions for future research.
Essential to maintain accuracy and clarity
Which of the following is NOT an example of a form of scientific investigation?
A. Experiments
B. Observations
C. Descriptive studies
D. Comparative studies
B. Observations are pièces of knowledge that are accumulated throughout the course of a scientific investigation.
Which of the following best defines a hypothesis?
A. An educated guess
B. A study of the natural world
C. An explanation of natural phenomena
D. A testable proposed scientific explanation
D. A testable proposed scientific explanation
Which of the following is NOT a reason to cite sources throughout the investigation process?
A. To suggest potential further research
B. To avoid plagiarism
C. To lend validity to findings
D. To provide information to future researchers
A. To suggest potential further research
Suggestions are found in the body of the scientific communication, not in cited work
Which of the following describes the difference between mathematical and theoretical biology?
A. Mathematical biology consists of complex models inspired by biology, while theoretical biology consists of complex model that explain biology.
B. Mathematical biology is rooted in statistics and probability, while theoretical biology is rooted in experimental results.
C. Mathematical biology studies system-wide biological processes, while theoretical biology studies molecular level biological processes.
D. Mathematical biology involves mathematical models, while theoretical biology does not
A. Mathematical biology consists of complex models inspired by biology, while theoretical biology consists of complex model that explain biology.
This answer describes the nuance that exists between these closely related fields.
Which of the following correctly describes how the laws of thermodynamics govern energy movement in ecological systems?
A. Energy is created when producers absorb sunlight and undergo photosynthesis.
B. Only consumers have to get their energy from a source other than themselves.
C. Decomposers destroy energy as they break down organic matter in an ecosystem.
D. Energy is transferred when a consumer eats a producer.
D. Energy is transferred when a consumer eats a producer.
Cell theory
All living things are made up of cells.
Robert Hooke
Initial contributor of cell theory. Used a microscope to identify, describe, and name cells in the 1660’s
Ecology
How living things interact with each other and their environment
Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase
1952 confirmed that DNA comprises genetic material in cells
James Watson and Francis Crick
- DNA is structures in a double helix configuration
Rosalind Franklin
Whose expertise in x-ray crystallography provided the necessary data for the double helix model
Biological classification
Grouping organisms based on their similarities
Taxonomy
The practice of systematically classifying organisms
Carl Linnaeus
Grouped species into seven levels: kingdoms, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species
Carl Woese
Discovered a previously unknown group of organisms - Archaea - prompted him to redraw the taxonomic tree, adding the dimension of “domain” to the top of the taxonomic classification system
Which of the following is a major driving force of evolution that was initially proposed by Charles Darwin?
A. Change in species over time
B. The interaction of living things and their environment
C. Organisms receiving at least one allele from each parent for every trait
D. Descent with modification
D. Descent with modification
Heredity
How genes are passed through generations
Which of the following scientists’ work made an initial discovery of the components of genetic material, pacing the way for further research and understanding of its structure and function?
A. Hershey and Chase
B. Watson and Crick
C. Mendel and Franklin
D. Watson, Crick, and Franklin
A. Hershey and Chase
Which of the following does NOT describe the relationship between the work of Linnaeus and the work of Woese?
A. Woese’s work rejected the work of Linnaeus
B. Woese’s work refined the work of Linnaeus based on new evidence
C. Linnaeus’s work laid the foundation for the work of Woese
D. Linnaeus and Woese represent two scientists whose work contributed to the development of classification and taxonomy
A. Woese’s work rejected the work of Linnaeus
SI System
Modern form of the metric system
Precision
How close repeated values are to one another
Accuracy
How close a measured value is to a true value
SI Units
International system of Units
Conversion factor
Power of ten
SI Unit of length
Meter
SI Unit of Mass
Kilogram
SI unit of volume
Liter
SI Unit of force
Newton
SI unit of pressure
Pascal
SI unit of work and energy
Joule
SI Unit of temperature
kelvin
SI Unit of charge
Coulomb
Significant figures
The non-zero numbers, the zeros between them, and the final zero in a measurement
Linear scale
Shows equal values using equal divisions. Describe direct relationships like waves and mechanical motion
Example: a ruler
Logarithmic scale
Nonlinear, with units written in orders of magnitude.
Used to make ratio-based comparisons for large amounts of numbers
Example: Richter scale, measurements of entropy, and decibel unit
Which of the following is not a base SI unit?
A. Meter
B. Gram
C. Second
D. Ampère
B. Gram. The base SI unit for mass in the kilogram
In order to convert 0.75 liters into milliliters, 0.75 should be multiplied by which of the following numbers?
A. 1/1000
B. 1/100
C. 100
D. 1,000
D. 1,000
Which of the following numbers represents the correct conversion of 67 pounds into kilograms?
A. 1,899.45 kg
B. 147.4 kg
C. 30.15 kg
D. 2.345 kg
C. 30.15
Multiplying by 0.45 will provide the correct answer
Which of the following is the correct scientific notation for 844,000?
A) 84.4 x 10^4
B) 84.4 x 10^5
C) 8.44 x 10^6
D) 8.44 x 10^5
D) 8.44 x 10^5
The decimal is moved over 5 spots to the first significant number
Which of the following are the significant figures found in the number 92,830,100?
A) 9, 2, 8, 3, 0, 1, and the final zero
B) 9, 2, 9, 3, and 1
C) 9, 2, 8, and 3
D) 9, 2, 8, 3, and the final zero
A) 9, 2, 8, 3, 0, 1, and the final zero
All non-zero digits, the zeros between them, and the final zero are considered significant figures
Linear scales and logarithmic scales have which of the following features in common?
A. Their units are divided equally
B. Their units increase by a magnitude of 10
C. They are used to explain the relationship between data
D. The relationships shown are directly proportional
C. They are used to explain the relationship between data
Linear are used for more direct relationships with low quantities of data. Logarithmic are used to explain exponential relationships between vast amounts of data
Which of the following is an example of a linear scale used in science?
A. The Richter scale
B. Entropy in thermodynamics
C. Wave propagation
D. Decibel system
C. Wave propagation
Data tables
Used to organize and record measurements and other numerical information, such as time or frequencies
Graphs and charts
Visual figures that show relationships among variables
Line graphs and scatter plots
Show relationships between variables. Generally, quantitative data
Independent variable: x-axis
Dependent variable: y-axis
Bar graphs
Best used to compare data that exist in different categories, especially if a set of data is qualitative
Histograms
Similar in structure to bar graphs, but represent data that can be expressed in ranges of numbers, rather than categories
Pie charts
Can be used to represent data when expressed as a proportion of a whole.
Best used when data needs to be interpreted in comparison with all the other data collected
Which of the following is the primary difference between patterns and trends?
A. Patterns are only visible in tables; trends are only visible in graphs.
B. Patterns show repetition of data; trends show the direction in which data moves.
C. Patterns show data; trends show analysis
D. Patterns do not have to be accurate; trends must be accurate.
B. Patterns show repetition of data; trends show the direction in which data moves.
Patterns are the similar data that emerge from a collection, and trends show in which direction this data moves over time.
Which of the following types of graphs best shows the quantitative relationship and trends between an independent and dependent variable over time?
A. Scatter plot
B. Histogram
C. Bar graph
D. Pie chart
A. Scatter plots
Scatter plots show trends among quantitative independent and dependent variables
Histograms
Show data in ranges of numbers
Bar graphs
Show the relationships between categories or individual data, some of which may be qualitative
Pie charts
Best suited for showing data as a percentage compared to the entire data set
Systematic errors
Flaws in the data collection procedures and alter the accuracy of an investigation
Random errors
Caused by unpredictable changes, such as imprecise measurements, and can limit the precision of an investigation
Which of the following is the primary difference between patterns and trends?
A. Patterns are only visible in tables; trends are only visible in graphs.
B. Patterns show repetition of data; trends show the direction in which data moves.
C. Patterns show data; trends show analysis
D. Patterns do not have to be accurate; trends must be accurate.
B. Patterns show repetition of data; trends show the direction in which data moves.
Patterns are the similar data that emerge from a collection, and trends show in which direction this data moves over time.
Which of the following types of graphs best shows the quantitative relationship and trends between an independent and dependent variable over time?
A. Scatter plot
B. Histogram
C. Bar Graph
D. Pie chart
A. Scatter plot
Which of the following is NOT a difference between a line graph and a bar graph?
A. Line graphs use quantitative data; bar graphs can use both quantitative and qualitative data.
B. The y-axis of a bar graph shows scales; the y-axis of a line graph shows dependent variables.
C. The x-axis of a bar graph shows independent variables; the x-acid of a line graph shows dependent variables.
D. Line graphs show data points; bar graphs show data categories.
C. The x-axis of a bar graph shows independent variables; the x-acid of a line graph shows dependent variables.
Which of the following types of errors can alter the precision of a scientific investigation?
A. procedural flaws
B. Systematic errors
C. analyzed errors
D. Random errors
D. Random errors
Physical model
Physical copies of a phenomenon that are built to scale and are used to physically visualize processes and phenomena.
For Example: Solar system movement
Conceptual models
Visual representation of abstract concepts, while also describing behavior
For example: the fluid mosaic model
Mathematical models
Used to describe and predict behavior or phenomena
For example: population growth
Graphical models
Used in probability and statitisics
Predominantly used in disciplines such as genetics in order to analyze genetic links
The Bohr model, which is an atomic model that describes the concept of how components of an atom behave, is an example of which of the following types of models?
A. Physical model
B. Graphical model
C. Mathematical model
D. Conceptual model
D. Conceptual model
Which of the following describes the difference between mathematical and conceptual models?
A. Mathematical models represent concepts using equations; conceptual models represent concepts using frameworks and diagrams.
B. Mathematical models graphically represent concepts; conceptual models physically represent concepts.
C. Conceptual models are a type of mathematical model
D. Mathematical concepts are only used in math— heavy disciplines, such as physics; conceptual models are only used in observation— heavy disciplines, like biology
A. Mathematical models represent concepts using equations; conceptual models represent concepts using frameworks and diagrams.
Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement about the limitations of scientific models?
A. All scientific models have limitations.
B. Models with limitations are discarded in favor of new, more comprehensive models.
C. Scientists use multiple models to account for model limitations.
D. Models are evaluated for limitations
B. Models with limitations are discarded in favor of new, more comprehensive models.
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
Material Safety Data Sheet
Required for chemical compounds and solutions used in a lab.
Contains all potential health, fire, reactivity, and environmental hazards; instructions for the proper and safe preparation, use, storage, and handling of the material; and preventative and first aid measures.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
Which of the following pieces of information is NOT found on a material safety data sheet?
A. Reactivity data
B. Alternative chemicals to use
C. Hazardous ingredients
D. Preventative measures
B. Alternative chemicals to use
The MSDS for a chemical is primarily focused on the manufactured chemical, not other compounds or solutions.
Which of the following correctly describes an effective PPE plan?
A. Identifies hazards, uses nitrile materials for all investigations, monitors the program.
B. Addresses potential hazards, selects proper PPEs, trains employees, monitors the program, and maintains the equipments.
C. Selects appropriate PPEs, maintains equipment, does not follow OSHA guidelines.
D. Addresses potential hazards, only uses PPEs when using caustic chemicals, trains employees, monitors the program
B. Addresses potential hazards, selects proper PPEs, trains employees, monitors the program, and maintains the equipments.
These are all important steps of a successful PPE program as dictated by OSHA
Which of the following is NOT a purpose or function of safety goggles?
A. Protect eyes from chemical exposure
B. Offer full field of vision
C. Allow particles to pass through
D. Provide ventilation
C. Allow particles to pass through
Protective safety goggles should protect eyes from all exposure, including chemical and physical particles sources
Which of the following describes a situation in which an emergency shower should be used?
A. To rinse out beakers
B. To put out a grease fire
C. To rinse out eyes that have been exposed to chemicals
D. To flush out an arm that has been exposed to a caustic chemical
D. To flush out an arm that has been exposed to a caustic chemical
Emergency wash stations should be used to flush out the skin that has been exposed to a hazard
Which of the following is NOT a step included in proper glass disposal procedure for glassware that has not been exposed to hazardous material?
A. Put out sealed box containing glass with regular trash.
B. Seal bag containing glass
C. Close all seams of box containing glass
D. Place small broken glass pieces in a regular trash bin.
D. Place small broken glass pieces in a regular trash bin.
All broken glass should be initially disposed of in the designated container, not the regular trash
Solute
Dissolved material in a solution
Molarity
Measure of a solute, or dissolved material found in a solution
Solvent
The substance in which the solute is dissolved
Caustic
Able to destroy organic material
When disposing of biological waste, you should follow these procedures EXCEPT for which of the following?
A. Inactivate all infectious waste within 24 hours.
B. Dispose of all used and unused sharps and syringes.
C. Bleach all non-infectious specimens.
D. Transport waste form lab in approved leak-proof containers
C. Bleach all non-infectious specimens.
Which of the following extra precautions must take place when handling flammable materials?
A. Store in a separate, designated space away from other materials.
B. Be aware of all fire safety equipment that is in laboratory.
C. Eliminate all ignition sources.
D. Only prepare as much material as needed.
C. Eliminate all ignition sources.
Specifically required for use of flammable materials.
LASER
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
Produce high energy, narrow beams of concentrated, monochromatic light that can travel great distances
Spectrometers
Used to measure and record light properties and wave spectrums
Which of the following is an example of safe, appropriate use of a piece of optical equipment?
A. Leaving a spectrometer open and accessible for the next use
B. Storing spectrometers in a humid storage space
C. Cleaning glass lenses but not plastic lenses
D. Placing a dust cover over a telescope after use is complete
D. Placing a dust cover over a telescope after use is complete
Dust covers are an important piece of protective equipment that maintains the safety, cleanliness, and accuracy of the instrument
Which of the following is an example safe, appropriate use of a piece of optical equipment?
A. Leaving a spectrometer open and accessible for the next use.
B. Storing spectrometers in a humid storage space
C. Cleaning glass lenses but not plastic lenses
D. Placing a glass cover over a telescope after use is complete
D. Placing a glass cover over a telescope after use is complete
Which of the following is NOT an example of an optical equipment component that disperses, concentrates, or redirects light?
A. Eyepiece
B. Lens
C. Prism
D. Mirror
A. Eyepiece
Eyepieces of microscopes and telescopes contain lenses, but are not the optical components themselves
Mechanical separation
Separation of components using physical machines.
Examples: filtration via funnels, sieves, and centrifuge
Chemical separation
Chemicals removing compounds through procedures like distillation and chromatography
Distillation
Purifies and separates liquid through heating and cooling using burning, tubing, and flasks
Chromatography
Separates mixtures by allowing a gas for liquid to flow over a material
Typically involved the use of columns, detectors, and pumps
Alcohol burners
Low, open flames at relatively low temperatures
Bunsen burners
Produce higher and hotter flames than alcohol burners
Autoclaves
Strong vessels that use high pressure and temperatures
Most reliable form of sterilization
Columns, pumps, and detectors are examples of primary equipment commonly used for which of the following methods of separation?
A. Electrical separation
B. Chromatography
C. Mechanical separation
D. Filtration
B. Chromatography
Which of the following methods of separation can be used to separate nucleic components of a cell using electrical impulses?
A. Gel electrophoresis
B. Distillation
C. Centrifuge
D. Filtration
A. Gel electrophoresis
It can separate DNA and RNA from the rest of the cell
Which of the following extra care steps should be taken when using pH meters?
A. Calibrate probe before use.
B. Remove flammable material from work area
C. Attend to pH meters constantly, never leaving them unattended.
D. Inspect all parts before use.
A. Calibrate probe before use.
Due to the sensitive nature of the probe, pH meter probes should be cleaned and calibrated before each use.
Which of the following is an acceptable container for use when heating a substance?
A. Reagent bottle
B. Flask
C. Plastic beaker
D. Crucible
D. Crucible
Crucibles are wide-mouthed, open containers that are constructed with materials that are resistant to high temperatures
Which of the following correctly describes the definition of sterilization?
A. Eliminating hazards from equipment
B. Removing microorganism from a surface
C. Storing equipment at high pressures and temperatures
D. Removing all sources of investigation manipulation
B. Removing microorganism from a surface
Sterilization uses solvents and heat to denature and remove microorganisms
